Detroit — Daniel Alfredsson's future is still in limbo because of a back injury that has kept him out since training camp.

Alfredsson, who will be 42 in December, still is contemplating whether to return or retire.

"Nothing has changed from my perspective," Red Wings general manager Ken Holland said. "We're not putting any timetable on it. Daniel said he was feeling good but is not to the point where he can talk to me about what would be his next move.

But as time goes on, it likely works against Alfredsson, who tested his back during several conditioning skates at Joe Louis Arena after Labor Day, but aggravated it.

The Red Wings would need to see Alfredsson skate with the team two to three consecutive weeks before considering re-signing him for another season.

Adding Alfredsson to the roster could be a boost for a sluggish offense and awful power play.

Alfredsson tied for the team lead with 49 points (18 goals) last season, and was a key presence in the locker room.

Ice chips

Considering the unusual schedule — two games against Boston, and games against Anaheim, Pittsburgh and Montreal, all Stanley Cup contenders — Detroit is 4-2-2.

"We're happy to be where we're at," Holland said. "We've had some good early-season tests against teams that made the playoffs and will be in the hunt this season.

"We've played well defensively. We've seen great work out of the penalty kill. We're playing with good team speed. We haven't scored like we would have hoped or expected, but I expect that to come together."

... Holland said Johan Franzen (groin) continues to be day-to-day.

Franzen hasn't played since Oct. 17, missing four games. He's not expected to play Wednesday in Washington or Friday against Los Angeles.